Millennial Parents Would Allow a 3D Printed Heart to be Implanted in Their Children

We Asked

Human donor organ availability can mean the difference between life and death. To address this global health issue, researchers are using 3D printing technologies to develop organs, including hearts that use human cells, collagen and biological molecules. If years from now your child needed it, how comfortable would you be allowing a 3D printed heart to be implanted (assuming 3D printed hearts have been properly tested and deemed fully functional)?

Millennial Parents Said

Millennial parents would be very comfortable with allowing a doctor to use a fully functional 3D printed heart if their Alpha child needed an implant.

A majority of parents (U.S.: 52%; U.K.: 60%; Brazil: 75%; India: 92%; China: 94%) would be very comfortable allowing a properly tested/fully functional 3D printed heart to be implanted in their child if needed in the future.

“The 3D printed organ can be sized to fit the patient exactly, and does not create issues with the immune system. In principle, there can be an unlimited availability of 3D printed organs and they can be manufactured in a short time. No more waiting lists for transplant and bio-compatibility issues.”